Rich Tasks Business Management Rich Task This Rich Task focused on changing businesses and the factors that could make a [[#|business]] change and was based on the students' creativity. Students were supposed to create their own company and then were given a scenario of a situation that would make their company change in a certain way (economy, ecology, competition, etc.) and had to make a strategy so that the company would survive.
Student Advisory Group Rich Task A whole day rich task centred around the themes of sustainability and fair trade. In groups students were faced with the challenge of creating their own chocolate bar by carrying out a number of tasks including: choosing the ingredients of the chocolate bar, creating a [[#|profile]] for the chocolate bar and constructing an advertising campaign. To end the day the groups presented their work to a "Dragon's Den" style judging panel, with a winning group being chosen.
English Rich Task This Rich Task was based on the poem 'Dulce et Decorum Est' by Wilfred Owen and was designed to give the students an introduction to WW1 and trench warfare. After learning about the poem, each student chose a line from the poem and created a visual representation of it using any method which appealed to them. As a class they were then invited to discuss the completed poem.
Case Studies Advanced Higher Case Study Here we looked at the Advanced Highers Studies in the Anderson High School. We interviewed students about these classes and we [[#|found]] that the students liked the freedom and choice they are given.
Shetland Primary Schools Case Study After a few discussions it was decided that it would be worthwhile for the group to investigate Primary and Secondary education. We visited 3 Primary schools in Shetland - Bell's Brae, Bressay and Sandwick primaries. In these visits we focussed on comparing the degree of Personalisation within learning between Primary and Secondary education. Here we observed a number of interesting lessons, interviewed a number of head teachers and class teachers and also spoke to the pupils in the schools.
Additional Support Needs Case Study (1): Mainstream Education The Anderson High School has an extensive ASN department to help meet the diverse [[#|range]] of needs that are present in the school. The Additional Pupil Support Department is able to offer extra help with ASN auxillary staff available both within and outwith the classroom. Educational Learning Plans help tailor support for those who need it.
Additional Support Needs Case Study (2): Club XL Club XL is a Princes Trust [[#|programme]] which is available for those who have behavioural or social needs which may impair them in mainstream education. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their education, and are provided with a [[#|range]] of support to enhance their learning. We observed two Club XL lessons and spoke to Christine Carter about the programme.
Additional Support Needs Case Study (3): ASN Computing Class The Anderson High School has some specialised classes for pupils with severe and complex needs, [[#|one]] of which is Thelma Robertson's ASN computing class. We observed two lessons, and spoke to Thelma about the important role which Personalised Learning plays in the education of these students.
Bobergsymnasiet, Sweden
Rich Tasks Psychology Rich Task In this Rich Task students were presented with the Psychological concept of the halo effect/reverse halo effect and tasked with producing their own representation of either effect.
Columbus Rich Task History Rich Task focused on the life and discoveries of Christopher Columbus in which the students were divided into groups and had to complete two tasks: to create a diary piece written by somebody who met Columbus for the first time and a role reversal task (what would happen if native Americans discovered Europe first). Another part of the lesson involved a discussion about the effects about Columbus' discoveries.
English Rich Task This Rich Task focused on improving spoken [[#|English]] through two games - "Guess Who" and "Scattegories." The students were encouraged to broaden their vocabulary and improve their question skills through the two games.
Case Studies Sweden Primary Schools Case Study We visited two Primary Schools in Sweden, Björkbackaskolan and Torpshammars skola. We were observing some classes and interviewed the teachers Marie Lundgren and Ann Badman about Personalised Learning in Swedish Primary Schools.
Bobergsgymnasiet 3rd Year Projects Case Study The 3rd [[#|Year]] projects at Bobergsgymnasiet are an excellent example of self directed learning, where students are able to incorporate their interests and life goals into a piece of research in line with their educational programme. We spoke to several students about the diverse range of projects which they were undertaking, and the benefits of the project programme.
Sweden Additional Support Needs Case Study Whilst in Sweden, we observed several examples of ASN provision across Bobergs and AWARE. In Boberg there is an ASN department known as "studium" which caters to the varying needs of pupils in the school. There is also a programme specifically aimed at pupils who do not have the necessary grades to enter any other programme. This programme aims to bring pupils up to the level where they may be able to enter a more mainstream programme. We also spoke to several teachers from the AWARE programme, who spoke about how the unique learning environment at AWARE can help to meet the additional needs of pupils.
Learning Environment and Practical Learning - AWARE, Bobergsgymnasiet An indepth look at the Learning Environment and Practical studies at AWARE, Bobergsgymnasiet. The school is a specialised Firefighting and Rescue school, which offers students the opportunity to take part in practical studies, as well as an academic education.
Gymnasium Zlin, Czech Republic
Rich Tasks
Festivals Rich Task In this Rich Task the students had the task of putting pieces of a text together and practice their reading ability in English. The texts were about the Swedish "Midsummer" and the Shetland "Up Helly Aa". The students also had a few anagrams and a "Treasure Hunt" around the school, to find the pieces of text.
Christmas Rich Task In this Rich Task students had to create a play about Christmas in either Australia, Scotland or Sweden. This allowed them to interact with native English speakers, and also incorporated a variety of learning strategies such as writing, listening and speaking. Students enjoyed this task and gave extremely positive feedback.
Shopping Rich Task Aiming to enhance communication skills in English and increase interation, students were given the task of shopping in four different stores for things they could put in their collage. This Rich Task allowed students to create their collage with items they are interested in, and also allowed them to particpate in a task relevant to real-life interactions.
Case Studies
Learning Environment GZ A summary of the learning environment within Gymnasium Zlin. In this school we looked at both concrete and abstract learning environment along with how pupil identity can affect learning. One particularly notable feature of the learning environment in the school was the impressive displays of artwork in almost every corridor and open space.
Partnerships Beyond the Classroom A look into the partnerships formed outwith the classroom at Gymnasium Zlin. This case study focusses on 3 main partnerships: home-school links, outside agency work and oustide business links with the school.
CZ Primary Schools Case Study Unlike in Sweden and Shetland we didn't get to carry out a research in a primary school. Luckily GZ has an 8-year program that is basically primary education in high school. We designed three Rich Tasks for primary school classes and also observed a lesson with the youngest pupils in the school. The case study also explains the primary school system in the Czech Republic.
ASN Case Study Case study focusing on the ASN system in the Czech Republic which is very different than in other schools that we've been to so far. This case study explains the principles of identifying each students needs and supporting ASN pupils.
Graf-Friedrich-Schule, Germany
Rich Tasks Sustainability and Climate Change Rich Task For this Rich Task, students were asked to discuss sustainability in their school and create a role play exploring the climate change debate in Australia, China and Ghana.
The German School System - Case Study Germany has a three tiered school system where students are separated into different school based on ability - The Gymnasium, The Realschule, or the Hauptschule. To us this seemed like Personalised Learning on a large scale but when looking in more detail we learned that there is less support and personalisation on offer simply because the other school forms exist. We heard both positive and negative arguments for the German school system.
Bridge of Don Academy & Oldmachar Academy, Scotland
Case Studies Baccalaureate Case Study We looked into the Baccalaureate of Science Projects in Bridge of Don Academy & Oldmachar Academy. We asked students about what the Baccalaureate is and what they are working on and how they like the program. We also looked how the Baccalaureate is linked to Personalised Learning.
English as an Additional Language Case Study During our time in Aberdeen we looked into the provision of support provided by the English as an Additional Language (EAL) outreach service and how this is an example of Personalised Learning. The service supports bilingual pupils in schools run by Aberdeen City Council, who are speakers/writers of one or more languages and who need support with English.
Curriculum for Excellence Case Study
The Scottish Education system is currently undergoing one of the most ambitious programmes of educational change it has ever undertaken, with Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) being introduced in August 2010. As CfE is such an integral part of the Scottish education system, this case study will provide some background to the curriculum whilst exploring its links to Personalised Learning.
Aberdeen Primary Schools When in Aberdeen we visited three feeder primary schools to Old Machar and Bridge of Don Academies: Braehead, Balmedie and Scotstown Primaries. While in the primary schools we spoke to class teachers, head teachers and were shown around the schools. One of the main focusses of our visits was to find out about the influences of the new Curriculum for Excellence and also the differences in Primary education to Secondary education in Scotland.
Support Departments at Ridgewood High School There are several departments at Ridgewood High School to support the students: the Guidance Department, Crisis Intervention Counsellors and the Child Study Team. These three groups each cater to a specific set of needs, and they work closely with each other, with teachers and with families to most effectively support their students.
Pressure and Choice Case Study We looked at one of our core components, choice, at Ridgewood. We identified that choice is influenced by external factors, these being parents and college. In addition to this, pressure was a notable issue at Ridgewood High, and we therefore researched why this is, and what the consequences are.
Extracurricular Activities Case Study Extracurricular activities are a big part of the Ridgewood High School. This case study focuses on advantages and disadvantages of extracurricular activities for both students and teachers.
Additional Support Programmes at Ridgewood There an extensive range of Support Programmes available to students at Ridgewood. During our time there we investigated four of the main programmes: the Freshman Focus, the SAIL Program, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Collaborative teaching, all of which are designed to meet the specific needs of students with various additional support needs at the school.
At Shirley Boy’s high school in New Zealand we decided we would take the opportunity of taking an English class for a few lessons to repeat our Nationalism rich task designed in Bobergsgymnasiet, to observe the benefits of working with a larger class size. Also using experience gained from the rich task in Bobergsgymnasiet to further improve the outcome of the rich task.
Case Studies Links Beyond the Classroom at UC SSC Lake Ginninderra
A brief look at the links which the UC SSC Lake Ginninderra have formed with both the Australian Institute of Sport and the University of Canberra. The case study looks at some of the benefits that these links can have for the students.
Miscellaneous Programes - UC SSC Lake Ginninderra and UC High School Kaleen
There were several other programmes we looked at during our time in Australia. Lake Ginninderra has specialised classes for those who have English as a second language, which involves providing extra support for these students and helping them with any difficulties they may have. The Connect 10 programme provides individual learning plans for students who are not currently engaging with school, which involves not only helping them with academic problems but also problems in their social or home life. The Pathways Programme at both Lake Ginninderra and Kaleen is another way which the school implements personalised learning plans, with a general aim of getting children to think about their strengths and weaknesses and look ahead to their future options. Lastly, the Excellence Programme at Lake Ginninderra and the Enrichment Programme at Kaleen provide an opportunity for more gifted students to be challenged, develop important skills and generally get the most out of their time at school.
Practical Learning at UC SSC Lake Ginninderra
In UC SSC Lake Ginninderra we got to observe and experience some of their practical courses. We looked into the Outdoor Education program and also had the opportunity to experience one of their field trips and Metal Technology program. Both of those provided a high level of personalisation for students.
Research in Practice - Rich Tasks & Case Studies
Anderson High School, Shetland
Rich Tasks
Business Management Rich Task
This Rich Task focused on changing businesses and the factors that could make a [[#|business]] change and was based on the students' creativity. Students were supposed to create their own company and then were given a scenario of a situation that would make their company change in a certain way (economy, ecology, competition, etc.) and had to make a strategy so that the company would survive.
Student Advisory Group Rich Task
A whole day rich task centred around the themes of sustainability and fair trade. In groups students were faced with the challenge of creating their own chocolate bar by carrying out a number of tasks including: choosing the ingredients of the chocolate bar, creating a [[#|profile]] for the chocolate bar and constructing an advertising campaign. To end the day the groups presented their work to a "Dragon's Den" style judging panel, with a winning group being chosen.
English Rich Task
This Rich Task was based on the poem 'Dulce et Decorum Est' by Wilfred Owen and was designed to give the students an introduction to WW1 and trench warfare. After learning about the poem, each student chose a line from the poem and created a visual representation of it using any method which appealed to them. As a class they were then invited to discuss the completed poem.
Case Studies
Advanced Higher Case Study
Here we looked at the Advanced Highers Studies in the Anderson High School. We interviewed students about these classes and we [[#|found]] that the students liked the freedom and choice they are given.
Shetland Primary Schools Case Study
After a few discussions it was decided that it would be worthwhile for the group to investigate Primary and Secondary education. We visited 3 Primary schools in Shetland - Bell's Brae, Bressay and Sandwick primaries. In these visits we focussed on comparing the degree of Personalisation within learning between Primary and Secondary education. Here we observed a number of interesting lessons, interviewed a number of head teachers and class teachers and also spoke to the pupils in the schools.
Additional Support Needs Case Study (1): Mainstream Education
The Anderson High School has an extensive ASN department to help meet the diverse [[#|range]] of needs that are present in the school. The Additional Pupil Support Department is able to offer extra help with ASN auxillary staff available both within and outwith the classroom. Educational Learning Plans help tailor support for those who need it.
Additional Support Needs Case Study (2): Club XL
Club XL is a Princes Trust [[#|programme]] which is available for those who have behavioural or social needs which may impair them in mainstream education. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their education, and are provided with a [[#|range]] of support to enhance their learning. We observed two Club XL lessons and spoke to Christine Carter about the programme.
Additional Support Needs Case Study (3): ASN Computing Class
The Anderson High School has some specialised classes for pupils with severe and complex needs, [[#|one]] of which is Thelma Robertson's ASN computing class. We observed two lessons, and spoke to Thelma about the important role which Personalised Learning plays in the education of these students.
Bobergsymnasiet, Sweden
Rich Tasks
Psychology Rich Task
In this Rich Task students were presented with the Psychological concept of the halo effect/reverse halo effect and tasked with producing their own representation of either effect.
Columbus Rich Task
History Rich Task focused on the life and discoveries of Christopher Columbus in which the students were divided into groups and had to complete two tasks: to create a diary piece written by somebody who met Columbus for the first time and a role reversal task (what would happen if native Americans discovered Europe first). Another part of the lesson involved a discussion about the effects about Columbus' discoveries.
English Rich Task
This Rich Task focused on improving spoken [[#|English]] through two games - "Guess Who" and "Scattegories." The students were encouraged to broaden their vocabulary and improve their question skills through the two games.
Nationalism Rich Task (History)
Case Studies
Sweden Primary Schools Case Study
We visited two Primary Schools in Sweden, Björkbackaskolan and Torpshammars skola. We were observing some classes and interviewed the teachers Marie Lundgren and Ann Badman about Personalised Learning in Swedish Primary Schools.
Bobergsgymnasiet 3rd Year Projects Case Study
The 3rd [[#|Year]] projects at Bobergsgymnasiet are an excellent example of self directed learning, where students are able to incorporate their interests and life goals into a piece of research in line with their educational programme. We spoke to several students about the diverse range of projects which they were undertaking, and the benefits of the project programme.
Sweden Additional Support Needs Case Study
Whilst in Sweden, we observed several examples of ASN provision across Bobergs and AWARE. In Boberg there is an ASN department known as "studium" which caters to the varying needs of pupils in the school. There is also a programme specifically aimed at pupils who do not have the necessary grades to enter any other programme. This programme aims to bring pupils up to the level where they may be able to enter a more mainstream programme. We also spoke to several teachers from the AWARE programme, who spoke about how the unique learning environment at AWARE can help to meet the additional needs of pupils.
Learning Environment and Practical Learning - AWARE, Bobergsgymnasiet
An indepth look at the Learning Environment and Practical studies at AWARE, Bobergsgymnasiet. The school is a specialised Firefighting and Rescue school, which offers students the opportunity to take part in practical studies, as well as an academic education.
Gymnasium Zlin, Czech Republic
Rich Tasks
Festivals Rich TaskIn this Rich Task the students had the task of putting pieces of a text together and practice their reading ability in English. The texts were about the Swedish "Midsummer" and the Shetland "Up Helly Aa". The students also had a few anagrams and a "Treasure Hunt" around the school, to find the pieces of text.
Christmas Rich Task
In this Rich Task students had to create a play about Christmas in either Australia, Scotland or Sweden. This allowed them to interact with native English speakers, and also incorporated a variety of learning strategies such as writing, listening and speaking. Students enjoyed this task and gave extremely positive feedback.
Music Rich Task
Shopping Rich Task
Aiming to enhance communication skills in English and increase interation, students were given the task of shopping in four different stores for things they could put in their collage. This Rich Task allowed students to create their collage with items they are interested in, and also allowed them to particpate in a task relevant to real-life interactions.
Case Studies
Learning Environment GZA summary of the learning environment within Gymnasium Zlin. In this school we looked at both concrete and abstract learning environment along with how pupil identity can affect learning. One particularly notable feature of the learning environment in the school was the impressive displays of artwork in almost every corridor and open space.
Partnerships Beyond the Classroom
A look into the partnerships formed outwith the classroom at Gymnasium Zlin. This case study focusses on 3 main partnerships: home-school links, outside agency work and oustide business links with the school.
CZ Primary Schools Case Study
Unlike in Sweden and Shetland we didn't get to carry out a research in a primary school. Luckily GZ has an 8-year program that is basically primary education in high school. We designed three Rich Tasks for primary school classes and also observed a lesson with the youngest pupils in the school. The case study also explains the primary school system in the Czech Republic.
ASN Case Study
Case study focusing on the ASN system in the Czech Republic which is very different than in other schools that we've been to so far. This case study explains the principles of identifying each students needs and supporting ASN pupils.
Graf-Friedrich-Schule, Germany
Rich Tasks
Sustainability and Climate Change Rich Task
For this Rich Task, students were asked to discuss sustainability in their school and create a role play exploring the climate change debate in Australia, China and Ghana.
Gothic Literature Rich Task
English Debate Rich Task
Case Studies
The German School System - Case StudyGermany has a three tiered school system where students are separated into different school based on ability - The Gymnasium, The Realschule, or the Hauptschule. To us this seemed like Personalised Learning on a large scale but when looking in more detail we learned that there is less support and personalisation on offer simply because the other school forms exist. We heard both positive and negative arguments for the German school system.
Bridge of Don Academy & Oldmachar Academy, Scotland
Case Studies
Baccalaureate Case Study
We looked into the Baccalaureate of Science Projects in Bridge of Don Academy & Oldmachar Academy. We asked students about what the Baccalaureate is and what they are working on and how they like the program. We also looked how the Baccalaureate is linked to Personalised Learning.
English as an Additional Language Case Study
During our time in Aberdeen we looked into the provision of support provided by the English as an Additional Language (EAL) outreach service and how this is an example of Personalised Learning. The service supports bilingual pupils in schools run by Aberdeen City Council, who are speakers/writers of one or more languages and who need support with English.
Curriculum for Excellence Case Study
The Scottish Education system is currently undergoing one of the most ambitious programmes of educational change it has ever undertaken, with Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) being introduced in August 2010. As CfE is such an integral part of the Scottish education system, this case study will provide some background to the curriculum whilst exploring its links to Personalised Learning.
Aberdeen Primary Schools
When in Aberdeen we visited three feeder primary schools to Old Machar and Bridge of Don Academies: Braehead, Balmedie and Scotstown Primaries. While in the primary schools we spoke to class teachers, head teachers and were shown around the schools. One of the main focusses of our visits was to find out about the influences of the new Curriculum for Excellence and also the differences in Primary education to Secondary education in Scotland.
Ridgewood High School, USA
Case Studies
Elementary School Case Study
Support Departments at Ridgewood High School
There are several departments at Ridgewood High School to support the students: the Guidance Department, Crisis Intervention Counsellors and the Child Study Team. These three groups each cater to a specific set of needs, and they work closely with each other, with teachers and with families to most effectively support their students.
Pressure and Choice Case Study
We looked at one of our core components, choice, at Ridgewood. We identified that choice is influenced by external factors, these being parents and college. In addition to this, pressure was a notable issue at Ridgewood High, and we therefore researched why this is, and what the consequences are.
Extracurricular Activities Case Study
Extracurricular activities are a big part of the Ridgewood High School. This case study focuses on advantages and disadvantages of extracurricular activities for both students and teachers.
Additional Support Programmes at Ridgewood
There an extensive range of Support Programmes available to students at Ridgewood. During our time there we investigated four of the main programmes: the Freshman Focus, the SAIL Program, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Collaborative teaching, all of which are designed to meet the specific needs of students with various additional support needs at the school.
Shirley Boys' High School, New Zealand
Rich Tasks
Nationalism Rich Task II
At Shirley Boy’s high school in New Zealand we decided we would take the opportunity of taking an English class for a few lessons to repeat our Nationalism rich task designed in Bobergsgymnasiet, to observe the benefits of working with a larger class size. Also using experience gained from the rich task in Bobergsgymnasiet to further improve the outcome of the rich task.
Case Studies
Additional Support Programs at Shirley
School Ethos, House System, House Executive and Sport Case Study
UC SSC Lake Ginninderra, Australia
Case Studies
Links Beyond the Classroom at UC SSC Lake Ginninderra
A brief look at the links which the UC SSC Lake Ginninderra have formed with both the Australian Institute of Sport and the University of Canberra. The case study looks at some of the benefits that these links can have for the students.
NAPLAN:Standardised testing and it's effects on Personalised Learning
Miscellaneous Programes - UC SSC Lake Ginninderra and UC High School Kaleen
There were several other programmes we looked at during our time in Australia. Lake Ginninderra has specialised classes for those who have English as a second language, which involves providing extra support for these students and helping them with any difficulties they may have. The Connect 10 programme provides individual learning plans for students who are not currently engaging with school, which involves not only helping them with academic problems but also problems in their social or home life. The Pathways Programme at both Lake Ginninderra and Kaleen is another way which the school implements personalised learning plans, with a general aim of getting children to think about their strengths and weaknesses and look ahead to their future options. Lastly, the Excellence Programme at Lake Ginninderra and the Enrichment Programme at Kaleen provide an opportunity for more gifted students to be challenged, develop important skills and generally get the most out of their time at school.
Practical Learning at UC SSC Lake Ginninderra
In UC SSC Lake Ginninderra we got to observe and experience some of their practical courses. We looked into the Outdoor Education program and also had the opportunity to experience one of their field trips and Metal Technology program. Both of those provided a high level of personalisation for students.